About us - About G&S ASIA

We started operating in 2003 to support European manufacturers in market expansion in Asia. Since then, we've worked in projects for more than 60 corporations (European, American, Asian) with focus on market-entry to China, Korea, Japan. G&S ASIA are specialised in Consumer Goods & Retail Products, however we also work in various non-consumer product industries/ technologies. Today, we're among the top marketing experts and market-expansion providers for foreign CG manufacturers in East Asia.

Who we work for - who are our clients? >>> strongly export-oriented manufacturers with target AsiaMost of companies we work for are SMEs (small-to-medium enterprises), as many large corporations have obtained enough resources to run marketing offices in (Asian) export markets on their own. There is no question, it's much easier to serve (Asian) markets and work with customers therein directly using local support (own sales force or an external partner). G&S ASIA clients clearly understand it is much more result-driven and cost-effective to partner-up with local-ground-support, compared to trying manage market expansion to Asia from their local head-quarters in the West. Especially China, Korea and Japan are too far away in terms of culture and distance to succeed in the very important first steps of a Market-Entry to a new (Asian) target market. Especially in East Asia, business is done primarily on personal relations and face-to-face encounters. People who've worked with Asians agree: Asian business customs and etiquette are quite different to Western mindset and work ethics. In order to have your products, brand, and company succeed in East Asia it is well advisable to work with a local expert that knows market environment and customer expectations inside-out. This is what G&S ASIA are talented and strong at: to bridge Western companies with East Asian market culture.

How do we work - how does G&S ASIA operate? >>> as the "long arm" of your export team based locally in East AsiaWe work on project basis. This implies corporate clients discuss targets in Asian target markets with us -- before we pre-investigate market environment, test marketability and calculate forecasts, develop market-entry plans and provide a detailed project proposal. Please note the Western commission model is not common in Asia at all (only for brokers that move goods from A to B). Our projects always require a) a retainer and b) a bonus model (varies from project to project). One of our most requested project type is "Distributor-Search & Deal-Negotiation" which usually takes 3-4 months time that are covered by a prior set retainer. Certainly, G&S ASIA also take care of the "starting period" right after the Asia-Market-Entry project (usually 2-3 years), in which we supervise customer relations, manage orders/shipments, execute marketing/ promotion/ branding (in close cooperation with domestic customers). G&S ASIA make sure your products/brands do not only get into the Asian target market -- but also stay there for further growth. See G&S ASIA client references for details.

How to market products/brands successfully in Asia? >>> understanding Asian customer needs - identifying opportunities in foreign environmentsWhat generates increasing sales in East Asia? For example, Japan ranks #1 in "Degree of customer orientation" and "Buyer sophistication" (The Global Competitiveness Report 2011-2012 - World Economic Forum, page 219). How to satisfy a Japanese business customer or Japanese consumers? How do you make sure they''ll continuously purchase and consume your products/technology? How will you make them want to be their long-term supplier? Why do some companies / brands fail in Japan while they're so strong in the West (examples: Burger King, eBay, IKEA, Hyundai)? Why do other global players succeed well in East Asia? What makes your products competitive in Asia without changing the basics of brand or technology? Many questions to be answered ...

G&S ASIA is specialists in Asia-Market-Expansion with focus on international trade between Western World & East Asia.--> We guide manufacturers & brands to growth in Japan, Korea, China and RoAsia.--> We offer direction & solutions when encountering economic and cultural elements in the very competitive Asian market environment.

In keeping with G&S ASIA corporate philosophy and motto "JISSHO" (Japanese: Proof through Execution) and "SOZOSEI" (Japanese: Creativity), we strive to utilise our company's unique assets and skills to develop differentiating solutions which contribute to growth of our clients in Asian markets. Bright ideas guide us - they are the lifeblood of our business. We take pride in crafting and shaping the brightest ideas into value and increasing sales & market share for our customers. Our multi-lingual/cultural team guides you to reach your ambitious targets in the Far East.

Selling to Japan/Korea/China ... more >Marketing in Japan/Korea/China ... more >Market Reports in Japan/Korea/China ... more >Questions? Feel free to contact us for a no charge/ no obligation consultation.